Language of Material: German

Contributing Institution: Department of Special Collections and University Archives

Title: Ursula Kordmann collection of German theater programs

Creator: Kordmann, Ursula

source: Kline, Eric Chaim

Identifier/Call Number: M2694

Physical Description: 1 Linear Feet two manuscript boxes, one half manuscript box

Date (inclusive): 1910-1962

Extensive collection of 205 Berlin theater programs accumulated by Ursula Kordmann, a Berlin theater subscriber, ranging from 1910–1950 with one typed manuscript of a short play by Kurt Finke. The collection establishes a broad overview of the production of various Berlin stages and the Opera House starting with programs prior to W.W.I continuing through the immediate post W.W.II period. It reflects the adjustments in programming made by Berlin stages during war times, the flourishing of theater at the height of German culture during the Weimar Republic and the changes in programing towards Germanic themes implemented by the National Socialist, including the unambiguous purge of Jewish influence in German culture and theater productions. These changes in policies during the Third Reich are pronounced in the removal of advertisements of Jewish companies due to Aryanization of businesses owned by Jewish citizens. Starting in 1933 advertisements are all but eliminated from the programs and gradually reintroduced though without ads by Jewish companies, e.g. the colorful advertisements of Hermann Tietz, founder of the first department store in Germany, last appears in 1934. Tietz ads reappear in programs of our collection in 1938 though under the brand Hertie after George Karg had managed to buy the department store chain due to pressure exerted on the Jewish owners by the National Socialists. The name Hertie represents the first three letters of first and last name of the original owner Hermann Tietz. The programming at the theaters changes dramatically after W.W.II exemplified best with a production of Bertolt Brecht's "Furcht und Elend des Dritten Reiches" at the Max Reinhardt Theater. Less than five percent of the programs included are from stages outside Berlin. A majority of programs have handwritten dates on covers as well as notes inside the pamphlet due to changes in the respective casts. The programs and leaflets are in overall very good condition with some of them age toned and browned. [From dealer description]

Open for research. Note that material must be requested at least 36 hours in advance of intended use. Audiovisual & born-digital materials are not available in original format, and must be reformatted to a digital use copy.

While Special Collections is the owner of the physical items, permission to examine collection materials is not an authorization to publish. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study. Any transmission or reproduction beyond that allowed by fair use requires permission from the owners of rights, heir(s) or assigns.

[identification of item], Ursula Kordmann collection of German theater programs (M2694). Department of Special Collections and University Archives, Stanford Libraries, Stanford, California.